The <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/uae/">UAE</a> on Wednesday reported 957 new cases of Covid-19 after carrying out 365,306 additional PCR tests. The new cases bring the total number of infections recorded in the country since the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/coronavirus/">pandemic</a> began early in 2020 to 871,315. One person died of Covid-19 related complications during the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 2,289. Another 2,538 beat the virus bringing the tally of recoveries to 808,824. Mass testing and one of the world's fastest vaccination drives have helped the UAE curb the pandemic. Cases have been dropping again after a surge late last year due to the Omicron wave. UAE authorities have been cautiously <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/coronavirus/2022/02/15/what-are-the-new-uae-covid-restrictions-today-all-you-need-to-know-as-capacity-lifted/" target="_blank">lifting capacity limits</a> for cinemas, shopping malls and other entertainment spots and venues. But the rule on mandatory wearing of masks remain in place. Authorities renewed their call for the pubic to support the country's vaccination drive during the regular coronavirus briefing on Wednesday. It was announced that the briefing - which has been held weekly throughout the pandemic - would take place every two weeks from now on. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/abu-dhabi/">Abu Dhabi</a> announced setting up of a specialist department at <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/02/13/abu-dhabi-opens-new-unit-for-severe-covid-19-cases/" target="_blank">Al Rahba Hospital</a> to treat people with severe <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/coronavirus/">Covid-19</a> symptoms. Patients will first be evaluated by the emirate’s prime assessment centres before being sent to the new centre for treatment.
